In Loving Memory of Ann (Bacon) Murphy
Ann (Bacon) Murphy, 86, of Wellesley passed away peacefully on February 10, surrounded by her loving family. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and educator, she touched countless lives with her kindness, wisdom, and unwavering dedication.
Born in Boston to Sarah Elizabeth (Sheehan) Bacon and Francis W. Bacon Jr., Ann was the youngest of three children. She was predeceased by her sister, Mary Scharch, and her brother, Robert Bacon. A graduate of Boston University, she later earned a master's degree in education from Lesley University. For over 30 years, Ann was a beloved elementary school teacher in Wellesley, instilling a love of learning in generations of students. Her patience, encouragement, and warm smile made every child feel special. Teaching was not just her profession but her passion—one that extended beyond the classroom. She taught English as a Second Language in Framingham, tutored countless children in reading, and enthusiastically shared her love of games, teaching bridge, mahjong, and rummy cube to anyone eager to learn.
The heart of Ann's home was her kitchen table, designed and built by her husband. It was the setting for countless gatherings filled with love, laughter, and conversation. From family dinners, birthdays, and holidays to spirited games of checkers, cribbage, bridge, and even a heated round of bingo, Ann cherished the time spent around that table with family and friends.
She was married for over 60 years to the love of her life, Paul Edward Murphy, and together they built a beautiful family. She is survived by her three children: Thomas and his wife, Mary, of Arizona; Laura Heffernan of Wellesley; and Janet and her husband, William Vargas, of Wellesley. Ann was a proud and devoted grandmother to seven adoring grandchildren: Greg Heffernan (33) and his fiancée, Lauren Tedeschi, of Wellesley; Erica Heffernan (28) and her fiancé, Alex Johnson, of New York; Sara Vargas (27) and her husband, Patrick Rahill, of Sudbury; Ally Vargas (25) of Wellesley; Avery Murphy (24) of Germany, Lindsay Heffernan (23) of Brighton; and Johnny Murphy (13) of Arizona. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and nothing brought her more joy than spending time with them—whether on outings to the zoo, parks, museums, movies, shows, and fairs, or simply gathered around the kitchen table, sharing stories, laughter, and unconditional love.
Ann's legacy of kindness, generosity, and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, February 15th, 10:30am at St. John The Evangelist Church in Wellesley. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to The Discovery Museum, in Acton, MA. www.discoveryacton.org.
She will be deeply missed but forever remembered with love and gratitude.